The Great American Simulation
Life as One Big RPG
- Photography: TORSO

The “simulation hypothesis” tells us that what we know as reality isn’t necessarily “real,” and we may likely be characters in one big MMORPG, actors in the grand alien auteur’s magnum opus. With continued advancements in quantum computing, the nearly decades-old idea seems only more and more viable. Elon Musk told Joe Rogan on his September podcast that we are now “most likely in a simulation,” while computer scientists and physicists continue to search for evidentiary bugs in the program running it.
This version of history makes us all stars in the movie of our life, avatars in our own unique predestined storyline. If we are naively existing in a video game, but are unable to tell the difference, how much does the truth matter? Our physical reality is increasingly digitized, and the next generation will likely spend most of their lives online.
Here TORSO documents the everyday in The American Suburbia simulation. The first-love story, a trip to the local market, a day at the pool, the unreal reality of fashion-forward youth living life earnestly and unaware, in the sim. Afterall, we accept the reality of the world with which we're presented. It's as simple as that.

Model wears Marieyat swimwear, Jacquemus jacket, Jacquemus trousers and Jacquemus clutch. Featured In Top Image: Random Identities blazer, Gucci shirt, Random Identities trousers and Eytys shoes.

Model wears GmbH sweater and Y/Project boots.

Model wears Telfar polo and Telfar trousers.

Model wears Kwaidan Editions shirt, Kwaidan Editions trousers, Kwaidan Editions tote and Prada heels.

Model (left) wears Xander Zhou shirt. Model (right) wears Comme des Garçons t-shirt.

Model wears GmbH shirt and GmbH pants.

Model wears Eckhaus Latta blouse and Eckhaus Latta jeans.

Model wears Kwaidan Editions sweater.

Model wears Telfar shirt.

Model wears Xander Zhou t-shirt, Xander Zhou shorts and Reebok Classics sneakers.

Model wears Xander Zhou shirt, Xander Zhou shorts and Eytys shoes.

Model wears Telfar shirt, Telfar trousers and Eytys shoes.


Model wears Kwaidan Editions bodysuit, Kwaidan Editions skirt and Acne Studios heels.
- Photography: TORSO
- Hair: Kazu Katahira
- Makeup: Yui Ishibashi
- Photography Assistant: Scott Surman
- Production Assistant: Oliver Agger
- Models: Dasha Nekrasova, Raye Vince Pelegrin, Rollie, Bobbynice, Tess Sahara, Adaeze, Alexandre D’Aquino, Charlie Nishimura
- Special Thanks To: Ruth Gruca, CALA